Program Description

       Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major that integrates courses in the life sciences,  physical sciences, and social sciences.  Faculty from Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, International Studies, Ecological Psychology and History participate in the the program.  Additional coursework is required from the fields of Biology and Mathematics.  The Environmental Studies program is a new program, beginning it's third year of existance.  There are currently 6 faculty involved in the program, working with approximately 35 students, including 24 declared majors, 2 minors, 10 new freshman/transfer students and 1 student who is not on campus, but will graduate this year (2003/2004).  We expect to graduate 10 majors and 2 minors Spring 2003.  Students have the opportunity to participate in field courses which travel offcampus, internships, independent study and research with professors, travel to scientific meetings and local community service projects such as cleaning up the Illinois River.

Illinois College Catalogue Description
 

Unique Features of Our Program include  important resources singularly available to use
to produce unique ENVS graduates with an exceptional and distinctive understanding of both
regional and international environmental issues. These resources include (but are not limited to):

 1.  Location:  We are near important field research areas of regional, national, and international importance;
    near important governmental offices involved in environmental issues. near diverse eco-systems visited regularly
    in courses and field work, and are centrally located within the continental US to facilitate travel to all parts of the US.

 2.  History:  Our faculty, students, and alumni have been and continue to be involved in key governmental
    agencies, advocacy groups, and private profit and non-profit corporations which work with
    environmental issues.

 3.  Field Courses which take students off campus:   Field courses are required of all majors that investigate
    diverse eco-systems in the Midwest, as well as the Northern Woods, Florida and the Everglades, the
    Tropics, and the Southwest.

4.  Required Internships:  Through required internships and research opportunities a primary part of our
    mission is to provide students with on sight learning and work experiences in many different areas of
    Environmental Studies.  Past Interns have worked at The Department of Natural Resources,
    The Nature Conservancy, The US Fish and Wildlife Service, DNR Wildlife Rehabilitation Sites, Local
    Zoos, Local Landscape Nurseries, Public Gardens,  and various Parks.

5.  Research Opportunities:  Our students have the opportunity to participate in research, particularly in the
    fields of wetlands restoration ecology and the ecology of small mammals.  Students have presented
    their findings at regional and national meetings.   Students have particularly been involved with the Midwest
    Fish and  Wildlife Society, The Animal Behavior Society, Regional Nature Conservancy Symposiums, The
    Illinois River Coordinating Council meetings and The Upper Mississippi River Research Consortium.